CLAIRE

DAYS LATER

The production floor hummed with activity, twelve sewing machines running simultaneously. I walked between stations, checking the Nordstrom pieces currently in progress.

Maria held up a charcoal blazer, nearly complete. "Shoulder seams are perfect," I observed, examining the construction.

"Elena did those," Maria replied, nodding toward her sister. "She has steady hands."

Elena smiled at the compliment but kept working, focused on her machine. We'd been in the new facility for a week now, and the team had found their rhythm.

Rebecca was finishing burgundy dresses at her station, the fabric draping beautifully.

"How many pieces are complete?" I asked Nina, who was updating spreadsheets on her...